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marshaj

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Posts posted by marshaj

  1. Has anyone had experience with getting approval of Lap Band from HealthNet of California? I tried for over a year to get approval for Gastric Bypass and they just kept putting up obstacles. The "medically supervised diet program" for 6 months (for which they wouldn't pay! )was the last straw. I have since decided I am more comfortable with pursuing Lap Band and before I go through another year of fighting - I wanted to see if anyone with Healthnet HMO actually got approved.

    I know the plans vary by employer, but I work for the Univ. of California - one of their largest customers.

    My other option is self-pay through Dr. Martinez in Tijuana. My big concern is if I had complications, would I then have problems getting treatment from HealthNet back in California. (I should probably post that question on a different forum).

    I have the classical health problems of obesity (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea) and a BMI of 37 so I easily meet diagnostic criteria for morbid obesity. Generallly, I am probably a good candidate for either bypass or lapband. But the barriers to getting health care for this are unbelievable.

    Thanks.

    Tony in San diego

    I Tony

    I have Health Net of Calfornia, they gave me such a run around. They told me I had to see a Dr. for six months and then if I still needed the surgery, I could get it. I was 100 pounds over weight, no high blood pressure, no diabetes or other complications from being over weight, yet. Two months into the 6 months of visits, I received a letter in the mail that said I did not qualify and they would not pay for surgery. Three weeks later I was in Mexico having the surgery. Dr Ortiz is the best, no regrets. Best decision I ever made. Had the best care, the staff is wonderful.

    Good luck

    Marsha

  2. Thanks guys for the info, I am not so worried now, I was banded March last year , haven't had a problems at all until now. I love my band. I will give it a few days, I just didn't want to wait if it was emergency if it did slip.

    Thanks for getting back to me so quickly

  3. Like clynn says, band slippage isn't an emergency situation unless you cannot keep yourself hydrated. There really aren't any clear cut symptoms of slippage, other than continously being able to eat too much or way too little. You do need a fluoroscopy to check it if you continue to have difficulty getting food down. Luckily, you live in SoCal so it isn't that hard to get to TJ. You can wait a week just fine, as long as you can get fluids into yourself.
  4. Hi everyone,

    I need a little help. I had the flu and now that I am better, I am wondering if my band has slipped or if it is just irritated from throwing up. I can only drink small amounts, I am in no pain, I am just a little scared. How can you tell when your band has slipped? Does it hurt? My doctor is out of the office until Tuesday and the other doctors won't see me because I was banded n Mexico. I cant get to Mexico for a week or so. If I go see my doctor Tues, can he tell if my band has slipped from and xray.

    I appreciate any input you can give me.

    Thanks

  5. i dont know :(

    anyone know of any banks where i can get a personal loan?

    i tried a few but my credit is ehh, so i didnt get approved :(

    Where did you go for financing? I used medprova, I have good credit but they said they finance people with different credit, that determines your interest rate. Email me if you want to know their number. I am not on the forum to often anymore. Also check care credit, they are good too.

    Banded march 2007 have lost 65 pounds.

    juarez.marsha@gmail.com

  6. I just made a fight reservation for a fill on October 27. I am flying out of Seattle into San Diego at 9:30AM, October 27th. The cost of transportation is $130 but the clinic said two of us could split the cost. I depart at 6:30PM the same day

    shelli_schultz@comcast.net

    Hi

    I just emailed Alexander for a fill, I am sure they have openings, I could meet you at the airport and share a ride with you.

    Marsha

  7. I am going to be going to get my 3rd fill next Saturday, July 14. I live in Rancho Cucamonga. My appointment is at 11am.

    Anyone else???

    Audree

    I am getting my 3rd fill Sat July 14th. My daughter is getting her teeth worked on. For my other fills I have parked my car at the airport and caught a ride with Francisco. Shared the cost with a couple other patients. Are you driving in to Mexico or having them pick you up? I have only been sharing a ride because you miss the long line at the border. I guess you can park at the border too. Let me know if you want to share a ride. My appt is 9:30. I live in Riverside.

    Marsha

  8. we do have a dentist in our office now - last time I called down there Dr. O was having some work done, so she must be a great dentist!

    Just call the clinic 1-866-376-7849 ext. 83 to get more information :)

    Lori

    We did make an appt with the dentist. If Dr Ortiz had them work on his teeth that is good enough for me. I trust him completely. Thanks for the info.

    Marsha

  9. This wasn't the dentist at OCC but my mom had a root canal while I was having surgery by a dentist down the road. She said it was the best root canal she ever had. Mrs Ortiz recommended him so you can probably call and ask who they would recommend.

    I will give them a call,

    Thanks

  10. Thanks for the help, I will give it a couple more weeks. As for the allergies, I do have them and when I do eat in the morning when it comes back up , it is a lot of drainage. Maybe that is causing my stomach to swell in the night. I do drink shakes in the morning, I can get them down. I will try giving up coffee. Be better about taking my allergy pills and see what happens. Great information. Thanks. It is so great to get feedback from others who are dealing with the band. I appreciate all the help.

    I do love my band.

    Marsha

  11. Can anyone tell me if I need another fill, 1st fill at 6 weeks 1.5cc, 2 weeks later another fill. I now have 2.0 ccs. I can't eat anything in the morning but it seems by early evening I can pretty much eat what I want. I haven't been losing much weight for the last 2 weeks. Should I get another fill? Or is it normal to not have restriction in the evening. And will I be alright in the morning if it is already tight.

    Anybody have any ideas what I should do?

    Banded March 22, 2007

    Marsha

  12. I'de have to agree. Banded on March 22,2007. Great experience,no problems. Lost 10 pounds on the pre op diet and 18 since surgery. Haven't had a fill yet, but seem to be losing between 1-3 pounds weekly. Glad I did it.

    Marsene

    Hi Marsene,

    Glad to hear you are doing so well. Keep in touch.

    Marsha

  13. Hi,

    I was banded on March 22, 2007. The whole experience at the OCC was great. I couldn't have had better care, everyone was so nice and concerned about my well being. The surgery was a piece of cake, A little discomfort but no pain. At the mall 3 days post op. Back to work 4 days after surgery. Had my first fill on May 5th and am not feeling alot of restriction. Emailed Rene and he told me to come back asap and they would put a little more in. Am headed back this Sat. I couldn't be happier with my band. I finally am on my way to a healthier me. Having this surgery was the best decision I ever made. Dr Ortiz and his staff are the best!

    Marsha

  14. Hi all,

    I just wanted to ask two questions at once because they have been on my mind alot lately since I am so close to surgery day. :)

    What did you ladies wear after surgery? I am rather modest and have a saggy chest without a bra, but did you wear one or not? I never wear underwire, but was curious about wearing any type since I have read that one of the incisions is kinda under you left breast. Could get a bit sore I would think...lol

    ALSO, How much money in cash did everyone bring? I know this topic has been covered a couple months or so ago, but I just wanted some input from more recent banders to see if anything has changed much.

    Thanks everyone for your replies! :)

    Peace,

    Judy

    Hi Judy

    I wore a bra with an underwire, my incision was lower than where my bra hit. I didn't have any problem. I took $200.00 with me, I came back with about 40.00 I took my cousin with me and bought her a few meals at the hotel. A couple tips for the drivers. I walked to a pharmacy the day after surgery and bought some things there. I don't know if this helps you but it just depends if you are planning on doing any shopping too.

    Good luck with your surgery.

    Marsha

    Banded March 22, 2007

  15. Hi Jen,

    I too have the same dilema. I have 1.8cc and I feel no different than before I got the fill. Although I have lost a few pounds since the fill, but I have had to work very hard at it because I can eat as much now as I could before the surgery, if I let myself, but I refuse to do that after all of this. Good luck to you in your weight loss, Im pullin for you.

    Jen

    I had my first fill on May 5th 1.6 cc and I am not feeling any restriction. I am scheduled for another fill this Sat. I am not sure how much they are going to put in this time I would call or email them and tell them, they were very helpful and told me to come back in.

    Good Luck

    MArsha

  16. I think everyone has the same fear but you should have your hubby read/talk to people that have the band. Also have him read about Dr. Ortiz. he should change his mind if he wants the best for you. I was scared to death but got the best surgery and the best of care. Good luck B)

    I am from Riverside and I check out a lot of places to have my surgery. One was Hoag Hospital. They do the surgery. When I started checking it out, I found that Dr Ortiz did the proctoring at Hoag. Why would I pay them twice as much for surgery that Dr Ortiz taught them how to do. I wanted to best Dr to do my surgery and he is by far the best. His surgery center is cleaner than any hospital here. The staff is very caring. I would do it again in a minute and I would for sure chose Dr Ortiz for my surgery. My husband is Hispanic and he had the same thoughts about having surgery in Mexico as your husband, but he also wanted the best for me. Good luck with your choice. Email me if you have any question? juarez.marsha@gmail.com

    Marsha

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